Poached Pears with Vanilla & Cardamom

This feels fancy. It looks fancy. It involves approximately eight minutes of actual work. The pears poach gently in a vanilla and cardamom syrup, becoming tender and fragrant. Serve them warm with yoghurt or just as they are. They're elegant, light, and deeply comforting.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 ripe but firm pears (Conference or Comice work well)
• 500ml water
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 vanilla pod, split, or 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt to serve

Method:

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact if you want them to look pretty. Slice a thin sliver off the bottom so they stand upright.
2. In a saucepan just large enough to hold the pears snugly, bring the water, maple syrup, vanilla, and cardamom to a gentle simmer.
3. Place the pears in the poaching liquid. They should be mostly submerged—add a bit more water if needed.
4. Cover and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pears are tender when pierced with a knife.
5. Remove the pears with a slotted spoon. If you want a syrup, simmer the remaining liquid for 10–15 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened.
6. Serve the pears warm, drizzled with a little of the reduced syrup, with a dollop of yoghurt.

Why it's gut-friendly: Pears are rich in soluble fibre and gentle on digestion. Cardamom is a carminative spice that aids digestion and reduces bloating. Vanilla adds natural sweetness without refined sugar.